“Still all a bit surreal”

On Tuesday afternoon, FSV announced the signing of Lennard Maloney from 1. FC Heidenheim and fewer than 24 hours later, the 25-year-old had already completed his opening training session with his new teammates. The player born in Berlin then took to the press media room to answer questions from journalists on Thursday afternoon, where he emphasised just how ready he is feeling to get out on the pitch wearing his new colours. His first chance to do so could arrive as early as this Saturday, when Stuttgart are the visitors to the MEWA ARENA (kick-off 15:30 CET).

“My job is to do all the bitty work”

The decision to join FSV from Heidenheim was not a tough one for Maloney to make: “The name Mainz 05 says solid Bundesliga club to me. When I think about the difference between where I started out to where I am now, it still all seems a bit surreal that I am getting to live out my dream of being a professional footballer,” revealed the new signing with regard to his career path to this point. From playing in the third tier of German football for Borussia Dortmund’s second team, to celebrating a league title and promotion from the second division with Heidenheim, the American now plies his trade in the Bundesliga. “This team plays a very passionate brand of football, which is something that reflects the head coach Bo Henriksen who brings a brilliant sort of eccentricity to it all. That suits me down to the ground and I hope that my own strengths can add something to this team.”

Maloney sees his primary responsibility as a defensive one: “I would say that my main job is to do all the bitty work and to just work hard for the team. No matter the position in which the coach wants me to play, I am prepared to give it my all,” said the 25-year-old. Maloney holds many fond memories from his time with his previous employers: “Heidenheim offered me that first step into professional football before I became a regular starter in Bundesliga 2 and then even in the top flight. During my time at the club, I also received my first call up to the US national squad. These things I will always have Heidenheim to thank for.”

“Mainz have been fantastic of late”

Maloney is a very versatile and adaptable defensive player who has played multiple positions for his previous clubs: “I originally started out as a centre-back but have also played at full back and in defensive midfield. I don’t have a single preferred position since I have been deployed pretty much everywhere,” explained the US international on his capabilities across the back line which he hopes to demonstrate as soon as possible in Mainz. “I obviously hope to be handed a good number of minutes but at the same time, Mainz have been fantastic over the course of the last few months. For that reason, I will just have to wait to get my chance and then, if all goes well, take it by the horns when I do.”

Choosing to play for the US “came from the heart”

Maloney was born in Berlin to a German mother and an American father. While he featured at various youth levels for Germany, he ultimately made the decision to play on the senior international stage for the US – one that “came from the heart.” “It was simply the nation towards with I felt more strongly. I get goose bumps every time I hear the anthem ahead of kick-off. Unfortunately, I haven’t received a call-up in a while which has been rather frustrating. However, I hope that the new things that I can take on board from both the team and the coach here will help me to create a good case for a nomination once again.”

“I am excited to see what can be achieved”

The 25-year-old also recently got the chance to play across Europe with Heidenheim, facing Chelsea, among others, due to their qualification for the Conference League last season. Mainz’s new signing sees nothing but positives to be gained from the so-called added burden of playing in continental competition: “It was very beneficial for me. For a side that normally only ever faces other German teams, you can learn a lot from playing against teams from around Europe. It’s something that you can grow from and it assists development enormously. That’s why I believe getting into the Conference League was definitely a big win for my former club.”

Maloney sees joining his old side as vital for his development: “If I was taken back to the start of my career, I would make that step to Heidenheim all over again, because it was exactly the right thing for me at that point in order for me to get my foot through the door into professional football. Right now, I am just excited to see what can be achieved during the next step of my journey here in Mainz.”